Helicopter pilots drop in at school

Two Puma helicopters from RAF Benson did a touch and go exercise on the playing fields of Trent Valley Academy G120821-3b

Published:15:30Thursday 30 August 2012

A SPECTACULAR sight was seen by onlookers at Trent Valley Academy as two Puma helicopters practiced touch and go manoevres on the playing field.

Officers from 33 Squadron visited the school six months ago to thank history teacher Peter Bradshaw and students for renovating war graves of pilots who lost their lives in the First World War and are buried in Gainsborough.

At the time they promised to drop in’ when the were next on exercise in the area - and this was that time.

“I was delighted when I received a telephone call from the RAF asking for permission to land the Puma helicopters,” said TVA director of business and resources John Cawdell.

“We have had helicopters land here before including the Queen’s helicopter. Two of our managers are in fact ex-Army and qualified to guide the machines in.”

“We will certainly maintain our links with such an illustrious squadron.”

• See the video section of our website for action footage of the Puma helicopters at TVA